FY 2023 Notice of Funding Opportunity: Cultural Grants Program | DOS PAS SLO 2023 002

FAQs: FY 2023 Cultural Grants Program (U.S. Embassy Ljubljana) - DOS PAS SLO 2023 002

1) What is this funding opportunity?

This is the FY 2023 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Cultural Grants Program (Funding Opportunity Number: DOS PAS SLO 2023 002). It is a discretionary grant opportunity offered by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Mission to Slovenia (U.S. Embassy Ljubljana).

2) What is the main purpose of the Cultural Grants Program?

The program supports cultural and artistic projects that strengthen cooperation, collaboration, and exchange between the United States and Slovenia, and that bring Slovenian audiences closer to American values, culture, and history through cultural expression.

3) What types of projects does the program support?

The NOFO supports cultural and artistic initiatives, including (but not limited to) art, music, literature, dance, and other creative or cultural formats, as long as they are designed to deepen U.S.-Slovenia connections and mutual understanding.

4) What makes a proposal "strong" or competitive under this NOFO?

A strong proposal clearly advances bilateral ties and creates meaningful connections between Slovenian and U.S. partners. Competitive proposals emphasize concrete collaboration, highlight shared heritage and values, and promote mutual understanding through well-designed cultural programming.

5) Does the program require U.S.-Slovenia collaboration?

The NOFO places clear emphasis on strengthening bilateral ties and creating meaningful connections between Slovenian and U.S. partners. Projects are expected to demonstrate cooperation, collaboration, or exchange that is clearly recognizable as a U.S.-Slovenia partnership.

6) Are American artists expected to be involved?

The Embassy emphasizes projects that show the diversity of American society and may include featuring American artists as participants, collaborators, or honorees, celebrating American cultural contributions, or otherwise designing programming that connects Slovenian audiences with American culture and history.

7) Are certain audiences prioritized?

Yes. The NOFO indicates interest in programming that feels inclusive and relevant and that reaches new or younger audiences, rather than focusing only on established cultural circles.

8) Are human rights or civic themes important for this opportunity?

Yes. Special consideration is given to proposals that incorporate human rights themes and civic-minded engagement, such as tolerance, respect for diversity, support for historically marginalized communities, youth engagement, volunteerism, and active citizenship.

9) Does the grant fund cultural events only, or broader community engagement?

While the focus is cultural and artistic programming, the Embassy signals that it is looking for cultural work that helps communities discuss identity, inclusion, and democratic values constructively, while still staying grounded in arts and culture.

10) What does the NOFO say about sustainability?

The NOFO stresses sustainability as part of strong project design. Competitive applications should demonstrate a thoughtful approach to lasting value and quality execution.

11) What does the NOFO expect in terms of project management and planning?

Competitive applications should present a well-managed plan with strong artistic or cultural merit, clearly defined goals, and outcomes that can be described and measured.

12) Are measurable outcomes required?

The NOFO indicates that projects should have clearly defined goals and outcomes that can be described and measured, suggesting that applicants should be able to explain how they will track progress and results.

13) Are visibility and communications part of the requirements?

Yes. The Embassy expects visibility and asks for a plan to acknowledge U.S. Embassy support and to amplify the collaboration through traditional media and/or digital outreach, so the project is visible beyond immediate participants.

14) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad and includes: public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status; nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (as long as they are not institutions of higher education); and individuals.

15) What is the CFDA or activity area for this opportunity?

The funding activity areas align with arts, education, and humanities under CFDA 19.040.

16) How much funding is available per award?

The award ceiling is $10,000 per award.

17) How many awards were anticipated?

The Embassy anticipated making about 10 awards, indicating a small-grants program intended to fund multiple focused, well-scoped cultural projects rather than a few large initiatives.

18) When was this opportunity posted and when did it close?

The opportunity was created on January 27, 2023, with an original closing date of March 14, 2023.

19) What does "discretionary grant opportunity" mean in this context?

The NOFO describes this as a discretionary grant opportunity offered by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Embassy Ljubljana, meaning awards are made based on the program's priorities and the competitiveness of proposals under the NOFO.

20) What overall approach seems best suited to this small-grants program?

Based on the $10,000 award ceiling and the anticipated number of awards (about 10), the NOFO points toward focused, well-scoped cultural projects that can demonstrate clear U.S.-Slovenia collaboration, strong artistic or cultural merit, measurable outcomes, and a credible plan for visibility and outreach.